ENVIRONMENTAL  LIFE  ACADEMY                                   
Energy Efficiency               WWW.BUCKSCOUNTYENERGY.COM
TAKE THE ENERGY STAR CHALLENGE

Environmental LIfe Academy is taking the Energy Star Challenge! We invite you to join us in learning to manage your  Home Energy Use and its Impact on the Environment through our free educational programs sponsored by Energy Star!

Did you know that energy use in your home and in  commercial or industrial buildings is responsible for about 45 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming?

The good news is that the opportunity to reduce these emissions is significant, since as much as 30 percent of the energy consumed in commercial and industrial buildings is often wasted. Schools, hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, offices, and manufacturing facilities across the country are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings where we work, shop, play, and learn — and they need your help!

We all need to do all we can to learn to work together and reduce our energy use, carbon emissions and rejuvenate a healthy environment for our children, for frogs, for our energy efficient homes on the range!  Learn more today; www.energystar.gov and come to one of our local expos.  Save Energy, Save Money and Save the Earth!

For a presentation, please email us at: admin@environmentalifeacademy.com or go to our contact page.

*NEW*
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Energy Auditors

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Energy Contractors

Find RESNET and BPI Certified Energy Auditors that care about your family, your energy use and who will help you understand what you need to know when considering an energy improvement.


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BUCKS COUNTY'S GREAT GREEN EXPO
A HUGE SUCCESS!

Lower Makefield, Pa. Nearly fifty   energy organizations  participated in the free education expo!

The expo was  organized by Temple's  Joe Fratti, who said the green energy event drew record crowds. To which Executive Director, Gee McMaster called Simply "eco-fabulous" !

The learning  event sponsored by PECO, AE Polysilicon,  ARCHETYPE eco-house, ADVANCE Master Training and was free to all visitors. 

McCaffrey's Markets received the Corporate Responsibility Energy Conservation Award and was presented a sculpture crafted by Michael Posey.

The event developed to help residents and business owners learn how easy it is to reduce energy use by up to 33% before the expected rate increase in energy rates takes effect and how to take advantage of funded loan and rebate programs.

Energy Experts were  "Teachers for a Day"  offering examples and   demonstrations on Sealing Air Leaks, Insulation Methods and how to Identify Phantom Electric Waste offered by four RESNET certified energy auditors.

Residents leaving the expo said that they learned how to reduce energy use in their homes that they planned on using those tips as soon as they arrived home.  Gee McMaster said that taking a proactive approach to energy use  can save you  thousands of dollars every year!  Its a gift that keeps on giving! 

Event sponsor, A E Polysilicon contributed to the expo learning center by providing samples of silicon in different stages of the manufacturing process that the solar giant plans to open once construction is completed. York Tsuo, President, said "We want to support residents and businesses in Bucks County by reaching out to our community and  green grassroot events like this one." AEPolysislicon has also worked with  local educators like Bucks County Community College green workforce programs.  This summer even though AEP is still in  construction phase,has hired seven summer interns in addition to other outreach initiatives. AEP production phase is planned for the first quarter of 2010.

PECO representative Liz Finnacchio, spoke to help families understand all of the important aspects of how Act 129, the competition law, all of the new programs PECO has planned to assist energy users with the transition. PECO and Exelon have recently opened a new Education Center in Falls Township and encourage residents to visit and to see all of the information available on their website.

Keystone HELP Program's spokesman, Jeffrey Gatter spoke during the opening to explain Keystone Help  Program as the State of Pennsylvania's new Low Cost Loan and Rebate Program for Energy Star Home Improvements and PA Home Energy Certified Energy Audits.

Bucks County's Great Green Expo also  had  Green workforce Training Programs available to Bucks County Residents in high gear for those interested  in Certification Programs for Solar, Energy Auditor and Master Electrician Certification. Event organizers report that over 30 interested parties signed up for classes in Solar Installer, RESNET, BPI and NREL Programs. 

In all three green job training programs were represented at the expo including PA Home Energy, Advance and Bucks County Community College. ADVANCE Master Electrician and Solar Installation Training Programs were registering students. Representatives for Bucks County Community College  Sustainable Building Adviser Program also on hand to explain the community colleges Green workforce programs. The Pennsylvania State funded green workforce trainers, PA Home Energy offered RESNET Energy Auditor Certification Programs  needed by residents to qualify for Keystone HELP Program Energy Improvement Loans.

The day began at 10 am in Yardley with inspirational talks from notable energy, policy and environmental leadership followed by a fun fill day of energy wise demonstrations and  from a cross section of smart energy experts!

Miller Lighting and Energy donated enough CFL light bulbs for every residential home developed by Interfaith Housing Development Corporation!

There were lots of free door prizes offered by PECO, the Environmental Home Store, Thomas Wells Construction and Miller Lighting and Energy of Newtown and by recycling artist, Joe Dillon of Rosemont.


PV AMERICA Philadelphia!

Convention Center

Philadelphia's Convention Center was the site of the young solar industry assoc- first national tour entitled, PV America's.  Mayor Nutter and Governor Rendell welcomed the Solar Energy Industry Association,(SEIA) membership and participated in what was a noteworthy event for continued regional solar development.

The June expo was electrified with news on developing advances in thin film solar technology as Mayor Nutter welcomed the opportunity to tell solar industry leaders about his mission to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the nation by 2015.

Governor Rendell's support of solar growth expanded upon existing strategies in PA that promise to boost clean energy sectors statewide by announcing his intentions to push Pennsylvania into the top tier states for energy independence.

Rhone Resch, SEIA President, reported that U.S. PV and solar energy industry grew significantly in 2008 despite the economy. Resch also predicted strong, continued expansion as concentrating solar power technology plants complete construction. Additional plant operations promise to drive the U.S. totals for installed PV and solar generation capacity from 10,000 MW  well past the 30,000MW mark.

The conference delivered the latest solar news from around the world shining a light on a very bright future in store for all segments, a message that has been long awaited here in the U.S. International colleagues from research, development, and academia were excited by the chance to meet and share inspiring presentations and success stories.


SEIA encouraged learning opportunities for all at the young association's first  conference by scheduling one conference day open to the public attracting hundreds of students from universities across the Northeast who came to meet industry’s top scientists, see the latest in solar advancements and to participate in fascinating discussions.


Local solar installation and sales business owners say that solar is booming in the Philadelphia market. Pointing to federal incentives for initial growth, they are confident of continued strong growth without incentives as consumers realize the value in renewables and as the green building market broadens consumer understanding of new healthy home concepts.

Financial and policy experts see evidence of the bright future for solar as purchasing option tests show success in more advanced markets. The Solar Leasing Models are taking root and policies on Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) financing options have help segue the impact of rate cap expiration and market shifts.

Bucks Great Green Expo

June 27, 2009
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Masonic Hall

Edgewood Rd, Yardley, Pa

Door Prizes
Learning Center
Demonstrations
Green Energy Vendors
Solar Panels
Wind Power
Recycling Artists

 







HOW ENERGY AUDITS WORK

  

Reducing energy use at home, work and at play is critical to our nation, our communities, our pocket books and our children.  Learning how reduce your energy use starts at crossroads of your overall energy  use knowledge base, your commitment, value and behavior.


With a background in electrical, engineering, building performance efficiency standards and the stamina to safely analyze and retrofit to reduce your energy use, I say more power to you!  Simply put, the rest of us, need a certified energy auditor.


Weatherization

Links

You Need To Read

Efficiency First

BUCKS COUNTY
WEATHERIZATION
Group Classes
* Groups
* Woman's
* Clubs
* Seniors
* Communities

 

Groups Learn together to reduce energy use, save money, save the environment and feel Great * free


Find CERTIFIED Energy Contractors
 
 Certified Energy Auditors
  Energy Efficiency Programs
  
Energy Efficiency Consultant
  Solar Installers
  Insulation Contractors
  Recycling Program Developer


Energy Efficiency Loans
  
Incentive Resources
  Keystone Energy Financing
  NJ CleanPower Choice


LOCAL NEWS




New Energy Efficiency Organization gets nod from Energy Star

Efficiency First has joined BPI and assembled a national plan to increase efficiency by 25% and improve housing stock in line with federal guidelines and also focuses on creating green jobs.

Discover the
Green Maniac  in You!
* Gain control GHG today!
* Recycle Responsibly!
* The Greeni
Maniac in you is waiting!

*Save energy*
*save money*
*save the Earth*
Demonstrate that you care
Learn more.



WEATHERIZATION 101
Reduce Home Energy Use Tonight!

1. Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR) w/ Weatherization Assistance Funding = 1:2

Every $1 invested -Saves $2

Certified Energy Auditors perform Energy and Building Performance Analysis and Reporting
  Steps 1-8 below

  
2. Measure and Analyze Building Type, Building Volume and Materials and Calculate Building Electrical and Fuel Usage.

3. Identify Building Pressure Imbalances and Air Leaks by Depressurizing building with Blower Door use Manometer Data Analysis and  Building Performance Software. (Infrared Cameras are helpful, too)  

4.Understand standard building minimum guidelines: Electrical Theory, Electrical Usage, Zones,  Pressure Imbalances, Ventilation, Mechanical Systems, Chimney Basics, Indoor Air Quality, Moisture, Insulation etc.

5. Test Mechanical Systems- Analyze Safety  and Efficiency Performance Diagnostics of HVAC  and Forced Air Distribution System .

6. Test HVAC Duct System-Pressurizing Duct System to identify Leakage, Sizing and completeness. Correct


7. Align Thermal Envelope- Ensure Continuity of Air barriers, pressure zones and Insulation Values of Building Shell and Joins.

8. Recommend Improvements and Keystone HELP Program Rebates & Loans.

9. Weatherization Assistance Program is available to residents that meet Income Guidelines. Call your county weatherization department to arrange services.

10. Seal big holes first in
HVAC  & Duct system Start at furnace and work outward on supply & return sides... Use HVAC METAL Tape or Mastic Compound. Duct tape is not for Ducts!

11. Empty extra freezers & refrigerators and turn them off!

12. If your windows leak, cover with plastic during heating and cooling seasons Then check Energy Star & Keystone Help Program for new 2010 Window guidelines & rebates.

13. Seal Attic Air Leaks with canned spray foam!  (click here for details) Then Bring Attic, basement Ceiling & Wall Insulation Up To Standard. go to:  www.naresnet.org or www.energystar.gov

14. Insulate and Turn down your water heater!! Every degree you reduce, saves tons of CO2 emissions!

15. Have your Heater & Hot Water tuned up!

16. Install a Programmable Thermostat!

17. Go to www.epa.gov to learn how to save more $$money this winter. Download free Duct Sealing, Insulation and Energy Star Appliance Guides.



              

RESNET STANDARDS

RESNET NATIONAL STANDARD:

HOME ENERGY AUDITS


The provisions of this Standard are intended to define a framework for a home energy audit process.  This Standard to improve the energy performance of existing homes through uniform, comprehensive home energy audits for existing residential buildings.

This Standard is intended to result in investments by building owners that produce the following outcomes:

• Increase the energy efficiency of homes;

• Increase the comfort of homes;

• Increase the durability of homes;

• Ensure that energy improvement and recom- mendations are portrayed with reasonable and consistent projections of energy savings;

• Reduce the risk that energy improvement recommendations will contribute to health,
safety, or building durability problems; and

• Reduce waste and pollution, protecting the environment. 701.2. National Standard for Home Energy Assessment Levels There are two categories of assessment defined in this standard:

1. Home Energy Survey
  a. On-Line Home Energy Survey
  b. In-Home Home Energy Survey
  c. Diagnostic Home Energy Survey
2. Comprehensive Home Energy Audit  701.3 Relationship to Other Standards This Chapter is a companion Chapter to the “National Accreditation Procedures for Home Energy Rating Systems”

3. PA Home Energy - PA Home Energy is focused on helping Pennsylvania consumers reduce their home energy use and conducts RESNET training and certification courses. The program integrates the general principles of whole house performance with green home design. At the heart of PA Home Energy is ENERGY STAR – a joint program of the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),  U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Keystone HELP Program.

PA Home Energy uses ENERGY STAR programs for both new home construction and improving existing homes with Keystone HELP Program.

“National Rater Training and Certifying Standard”
and “National Energy Rating Technical Standards”  as promulgated and maintained by the Residential Energy Services Network(RESNET) and recognized by the mortgage industry and programs promoting the improved energy
performance of buildings.

Relationship to State Law This Standard specifically recognizes that some state laws
or regulations have additional requirements. To the extent that such state laws or regulations differ from these Standards, state law or regulation shall govern.

Application of Standards
This Standard applies to existing site-constructed or manufactured, single- and multi-family
residential buildings three stories or less in height, with the exception of hotels and motels.

 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS
BPI - Building Performance Institute
Certified Building Analyst (BA) - An individual who successfully passes the BPI written and
field examination requirements for certification in order to evaluate the performance of a
home, taking into account systems, physical conditions and other energy and non-energy
characteristics of the home.

Certified Contractor - A contractor accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or
an equivalent certification organization recognized by the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program to complete specific home performance improvement work.

Certified Home Energy Rater - An individual who is certified by an accredited home energy
Rating Provider to inspect and test a home in order to evaluate the minimum rated features
established by RESNET and prepare a home energy rating according to Chapters One and
Three of the RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards.

Comprehensive Home Energy Audit - A level of the RESNET Home Energy Audit process
defined by this standard to include the evaluation, diagnosis and proposed treatment of an
existing home. The Comprehensive Home Energy Audit may be based on a Home Performance Assessment (“Comprehensive Home Performance Energy Audit”) or Home

Energy Rating (“Comprehensive HERS Audit”), in accordance with the criteria established
by this Standard. A homeowner may elect to go through this process with or without a prior
Home Energy Survey or Diagnostic Home Energy Survey.

Auditor - An individual who is certified by a

RESNET accredited Comprehensive Home
Energy Audit Provider to conduct comprehensive home energy audits.

Data Collection - The gathering of information on building energy features, energy use
history and other relevant building and building operation information.

Diagnostic Home Energy Survey - A level of the RESNET Home Energy Survey in accordance with this standard, consisting of an In-Home Home Energy Survey and additional diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic Testing - The use of building performance-testing equipment (e.g. blower door,
duct blaster, flow hood, infrared camera, CO monitor, etc.) to measure, assess and document
specific performance characteristics of the building system.

Energy Efficiency Rating or Energy Rating - See Home Energy Rating

Energy Saving Measure or Feature - Any material, component, device, system, construction
method, process or combination thereof that will result in a reduction of energy use.

Evaluation - An analysis of the data collected from any survey or audit, on-site data
collection and performance testing, available energy usage records to determine energy use
and potential savings from improvements.

HERS - Home Energy Rating System

HERS Index - A numerical integer value produced by a Home Energy Rating that represents
the relative energy use of a Rated Home as compared to the energy use of the HERS

Reference Home, and where an Index value of 100 represents the energy use of the HERS
Reference Home and an Index value of 0 (zero) represents a home that uses zero net
purchased energy.

HERS Provider - An organization accredited by

RESNET in accordance with section 102 of
the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards to develop, manage,
and operate a home energy rating system.

Home - A building with one or more dwelling units that has three or fewer stories above
grade, or a single dwelling unit within a building of three or fewer stories above grade.

Home Energy Assessment - Defined by this standard as one of two levels of energy
assessment of a home, including Home Energy Survey and Comprehensive Home Energy Audit.

Home Energy Rating - An unbiased indication of a home’s relative energy performance
based on consistent inspection procedures, operating assumptions, climate data and
calculation methods in accordance with the “National Energy Rating Technical Standards”

Home Energy Rating System or HERS® - The materials and procedures needed to operate a
home energy rating program including, but not limited to: marketing materials, training
materials, publications, rating software, quality control system, data collection and
maintenance systems, agreements, data collection sheets, home owner reports, and other
related materials and services.

Home Performance Assessment - A detailed evaluation of the condition of a home as a
building system, including evaluation of all materials, components, features, systems and
subsystems that affect energy use of the home.

Home Performance with Energy Star (HPwES) - A national program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), that offers a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort of homes, while maintaining or improving safety.

Keystone HELP Program -With the Keystone HELP® Energy Efficiency Program, most Pennsylvania homeowners who meet the program's eligibility guidelines can get a low cost loan for ENERGY STAR® rated and high efficiency heating, air conditioning, air sealing, insulation, windows, doors, geothermal and “whole house” improvements using Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®. These lower rates can save consumer thousands of dollars over the life of the loan, further enhancing the energy saving from the improvements being made and minimizing out of pocket costs.
  • Keystone HELP® loans are fast and simple. Most loan applications are approved within hours, with your Approved Keystone HELP Contractor paid immediately upon satisfactory completion of the job.
  • Keystone HELP® loans offers:- Special, low interest rates locked in for the life of loan
  • Longer terms and lower rates than typically available
  • No penalty for pre-payment
  • Eligible improvements must be installed by a Keystone HELP® Approved Contractor. There are currently over 1,600 Approved Keystone HELP Contractors in Pennsylvania.
  • Qualifying homeowners can get the lowest cost financing and a $325 cash energy audit credit for energy-saving "whole house" improvements performed by a Keystone HELP® Trained or Certified Contractor implementing the recommendations of a Certified Auditor who has conducted a comprehensive energy audit of your home.

Home Energy Survey Provider - An organization accredited by RESNET in accordance with
Section 703 of the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards to
certify individuals to perform Home Energy Surveys in accordance with this standard, and to
maintain quality assurance of the Home Energy Survey process.

Home Energy Survey Professional - An individual certified by an accredited Home Energy Survey Provider to conduct Home Energy Surveys.

In-Home Home Energy Survey - A level of the RESNET Home Energy Assessment process
defined by this standard intended to assess both the general energy performance of the home
and the level of the commitment to action on the part of the homeowner. The intent of the energy survey is to refer homeowners to the next level if it is determined that the home needs further analysis, and the homeowner is motivated to invest in improvements.

The On-Line or In-Home Home Energy Survey is not required if the homeowner wishes to directly pursue a Diagnostic Home Energy Survey or Comprehensive Home Energy Audit.

On-Line Home Energy Survey - A basic energy review of a home using an internet-based
tool or software.

Performance Testing - Testing conducted to evaluate the performance of a system or
component using specified performance metrics.

Rating Software - A computerized procedure that is accredited by RESNET for the purpose of conducting home energy ratings and calculating the annual energy consumption, annual energy costs and a HERS Index for a home.

RESNET - Residential Energy Services Network

 



BUCKS COUNTY'S GREAT GREEN EXPO!
700 NORTH SHADY RETREAT ROAD

DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901

March 20th

Central Bucks Senior Center

Save Energy..Save Money...Save the Earth!      

You can learn more about how to reduce your family's energy use on March 20, 2010 at our next energy expo!


Pa Home Energy Conference

Incredible Success

State College, Pa, Hundreds gathered for the PA Home Energy Conference held at Penn Stater Conference Center in March.

The PA Home Energy Event sponsored by West Penn Power, Keystone HELP Low Interest Loan Program and PSD Consulting brought energy experts from Washington, Harrisburg and across the country to help Pennsylvanians reduce energy use.

National EPA Directors, Sam Rashkin and Chandler Von Schrader, PUC Chairman, James Cawley represented leadership committed to assisting and identifying the economic opportunities and strategies of energy efficiency.
 
Their presence at the conference called attention to exciting expansion happening in Pennsylvania and to the extraordinary needs and  benefits that come when we act together to reduce
energy use.

The conference
showcased some of the many achievements made by PA energy efficiency leaders  who saved tons of carbon dioxide & tens of thousands for Pennsylvanians over the past year and committed to saving even more CO2 emissions.
 
Reduced energy use in homes and business building science creates healthier interior environments for occupants and extends the life of the building itself. 

The
event offered trainings, technology demonstrations covering every stage of energy auditing process, life cycles and the stimulus backed Keystone HELP loan and rebate programs.


Our Green Mission

Our nonprofit was established to educate, promote and maintain an alliances with those committed to integrating sustainable development with energy efficiency, alternative energy and recycling.

We seek to create educational, training and career opportunities and to share resources that serve students, adults, families, elderly, groups, educators, businesses and communities.


Our mission also supports applying  best practices and accountability as we demonstrate respect for ourselves, all people and the Earth
.

 

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